1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 1973 Honda Civic
To start off, 1981 Ford Fiesta is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,608 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Fiesta (83 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1973 Honda Civic. (60 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1973 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Fiesta weights approximately 55 kg more than 1973 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1981 Ford Fiesta (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Honda Civic. (103 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 1973 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Fiesta | Civic |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 1488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 60 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2210 mm |
